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Traditional celebrations

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Christian communities across Europe take part in Epiphany traditions

Orthodox Christians participated in blessing of the waters ceremonies, while Catholics in the Vatican attended Mass in St. Peter's basilica.

06/01/2025

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Thousands participate in Warsaw's colourful Three Kings procession

The Three Kings procession went through Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street to the Castle Square in Warsaw's old town, where homage was paid to Mary and Jesus.

06/01/2025

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Trio leaps from Rome's 18m Cavour Bridge in New Year's Day tradition

On New Year's Day, three men dived into the Tiber River in Rome, continuing a 1946 tradition, while in Berlin, swimmers celebrated with their annual ice bath.

01/01/2025

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Ho ho... huh? The strangest European Christmas folklore explained

While you’re overindulging in the festive cheer and the rampant commercial takeover of these holidays, keep these strange Christmas folklore figures in mind. Whether it’s the anti-Santa cat from Iceland or a child-chopping murderer from France, there’s plenty that’s bleak around the holidays.

24/12/2024

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What are the best Christmas albums to combat the tired radio classics?

Sick of hearing Bing Crosby, Band Aid and Mariah during the Christmas season? Fret no more - here are the Christmas albums you need in your life (and ears) during the holidays.

20/12/2024

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Traditional Christmas carols from Romania

On Sunday, carolers from all over Romania gathered in the city of Galati for a traditional folk festival.

16/12/2024

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A choir inside a giant Christmas tree in the USA

In Michigan, the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree is 20 metres tall, with 25,000 LED lights, 1,580 linear metres of greenery and 15 levels on which 180 choir members stand. The 40-year-old tree can hold up to 220 singers.

09/12/2024

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Buddha’s tooth relic arrives in Bangkok to honour King’s birthday

A relic of Buddha's tooth was brought to Bangkok on Wednesday in a procession with 2,000 participants. The sacred relic, flown from Lingguang Temple in Beijing, is being displayed to celebrate King Maha Vajiralongkorn's birthday and will remain on display for 73 days.

04/12/2024

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A guide to Thanksgiving for confused Europeans

Every year, Americans go mad for Thanksgiving. While many American traditions have been embraced abroad, this is one day that's still a mystery to most Europeans.

28/11/2024

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Yabusame archery steals the show at Japanese shrine

Ten archers dazzled spectators at the Nikko Toshogu shrine during the autumn festival by performing "yabusame," the traditional Japanese horseback archery.

17/10/2024

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The centuries-old German beer festival Oktoberfest has begun

At least six million people are expected to sip on the best of Bavarian beer over the 16 heady days that make up the centuries-old festival Oktoberfest in Munich.

21/09/2024

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Honoring the sun, the Inca Inti Raymi celebration

An ancient Inca ritual, offering to the sun, was re-enacted on Monday, bringing actors and Indigenous communities together.

25/06/2024

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The many ways Spain celebrates Midsummer Eve

Midsummer's Eve is celebrated in many ways in Spain. But did you know that it is a celebration that dates back to ancient, pagan traditions?

23/06/2024

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Around the maypole: What it’s like to celebrate midsummer in Sweden

In 2024, Midsummer Eve falls on 21 June and there are celebrations throughout the whole weekend.

20/06/2024

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Celebrating the 'mischief' of London's carnival costumes

A collaborative exhibition by the Museum of British Folklore offers a peek behind the pearly buttons of London's vibrant folk communities.

13/06/2024

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George the dragon slayer: Europe's most multicultural patron saint

Today is Saint George's Day. The patron saint has been depicted in countless works of art, and the date of his martyrdom is celebrated in many European countries.

23/04/2024

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Hungarian village celebrates Easter with centuries old tradition

The northern Hungarian village of Holloko celebrates Easter Monday in its own particular - and peculiar - way.

01/04/2024

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These European festivities turn satire into a popular celebration

Before València's fallas burn, we take a look at this and other European celebrations that were born out of social criticism or revolts against established power.

19/03/2024

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Love, Gloves and Cocktails: European Leap Year superstitions

It's 29th February - a date that comes only every 4 years. But why, and what are the traditions and superstitions in Europe surrounding this special day?

29/02/2024

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From Barbie to AI: Switzerland's largest carnival begins in Basel

This year's themes for one of Switzerland's oldest traditions include artificial intelligence and the Barbie movie.

20/02/2024